Page 49 of Dancing with the Devil

Silvia and I changed into our performing outfits and left the dressing room. We lingered around our regulars as they introduced us to their friends. “Sugar,” one of the older gentlemen grinned, slipping his hand around my waist, and I smiled down at him. “C’mere,” he pulled me onto his lap with a firm hold on me, and I cast Silvia a quickwhat-the-fuckglance.

She only shrugged, then seductively ran her hands over her customers’ broad shoulders, trailing her bored eyes around the room.

Mycustomerwhispered sweet nothings into my ear, and Silvia’s head snapped towards me in fear. “Get up,” she forced through gritted teeth, and my brows drew together.

“What–”

“Nirah, just go,” she hurriedly said, and I hesitantly got up, politely excusing myself.

I turned to leave and immediately halted. In this moment, I felt like a deer in headlights, so naturally, I flashed my best, most innocent smile.

“Did I not make myself clear?” Antonio asked, approaching me with both hands behind his back. I opened my mouth to protest but opted against it. “And why aren’t you dressed yet?”

“One. Do you see a big, shiny rock on my hand?” I asked, extending the back of my hand toward him. “Didn’t think so,” I quipped. “And, two, I was kind of hoping you’d let me perform one last time.”

“But it won’t be your last time. You made that abundantly clear.”

“Technically, no, it won’t. But in a weird way, it will be, so please let me perform while I’m still single and free. I promise we’ll leave right after,” I said, too eagerly for my liking. “Please?”I showed him my biggest smile as I grabbed his hand, stepping closer to him.

“I need a drink anyway,” he flatly said and turned around, pulling his hand from mine. He walked toward the bar, and I smiled, excitedly clapping my hands together.

After my performance, I grabbed my coat and got off stage as soon as possible.

He was already waiting for me with his cell phone glued to his ear. When our gazes met, he ended the call with one word. “My bags are in Silvia’s car,” I said as I stopped in front of him, and he looked up. He gave me a slight nod and slipped his cell phone into the pocket of his slacks.

After I got changed, we headed out, and I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re not going soft on me, are you?”

“Excuse me?” he raised a brow at me, and I put my hands on my hips.

“You didn’t insultororder me around once tonight,” I said, scanning his face. “I’m starting to get worried,” I admitted, pressing my four fingers against his forehead.

“Youwantme to insult you?” he asked with amusement, and I shook my head with a little chuckle—continuing ahead of him. “You were amazing out there, you know,” he said over my shoulder, and I smiled, reaching up to throw my arm around his shoulder.

I grinned, turning my head to him. “I know.”

“Remind me never to compliment you again,” he lowered his tone, and I rolled my eyes.

“That’s impossible. You live for complimenting me,” I said, and he dropped his eyes to my lips for a split second. He seemed to want to protest but decided otherwise.

Now, my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. We got my bags from Silvia’s car and headed to his house.

During the drive to his house, I couldn’t stop looking out the window. This part of the city was so different from where I lived. Last time I couldn’t admire it, because well, I had no idea I’d even be coming here.

“You remember where your bedroom is, don’t you?” he asked as we stepped out of the car, and I nodded. I wasn’t entirely sure, but I didn’t want to burden him with that as well.

He ordered Cesar and some other guys in suits to carry my suitcases up to my room.

After they were done, I could finally go up. He had ordered Rosalia to find out what I liked so that she could cook it up for me. And that was about it. I hadn’t seen him the entire night.

Everything was going to work out.

CHAPTER 11

Nirah

THE HOUSE WAS quieter than expected this morning as I headed downstairs.

My favorite part of the kitchen was the fridge with double doors. Mine only had one.